Day 11, October 3rd, Erde

Unlike my days in the seminary, when my mental calendar was marked by the feastdays of saints, my calendar is now occupied by dates associated with my dogs, their birth dates, the date i brought them home, and, in five cases, the days i lost them. So it is that on this date, four years ago, i lost my beloved Erde, which means earth in German. All of my six beloved dogs, Montag, Sonntag and Kessie, Leben and Erde, and now Donner, had distinct personalties that i shall always remember and cherish. Erde's was that of a rebel, always looking for opportunities for fun. I did not fully appreciate that side of her until after we lost her brother the year before and i had her alone, an old dog but nonetheless rebellious, and fun. Oh, what fun she was! But she always remained bonded with her brother. After Leben died on August 8th the year before, we set off for our first road trip without him. In the morning, before i emerged from the tent, i would let her out just to sit in the cool morning air. For the entire trip, and for months after at home, i could hear her moaning softly and privately, grieving over the loss of her best friend. I wonder if she knew that i, too, was moaning over the loss of my best friend, too.

Ed